Greater - New Year Challenge

Topic: Greater

Open:
Have you ever been in a situation where you were well intentioned but the result was wrong? Explain:

Read:

1 Samuel 15; Hebrews 10; John 14

Discuss:

1. Describe what Saul did in 1 Samuel 15 that displeased God: What was God’s perspective on the situation?

2. Why would it be easy to see God’s reaction to Saul’s inconsistency unfair? Should God overlook a few minor things if we largely accomplish what He wanted (Saul’s obedience is perceived and represented as obedience)?

3. In what way is obedience better than sacrifice? How was Jesus an example of this (Hebrews 10)?

4. How should these passages look in your everyday living?

Pray:

Pray that you would be obedient to the mission of God

Memorize/Meditate:

“Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams…”                1 Samuel 15:22

Ruth Part Five: The Story Behind the Story

 

Ruth Part Five: The Story Behind the Story

Deeper Faith Follow-Up

 

Open:

Have you ever read a book or watched a movie that left you hanging at the end? Did it left you wondering how it all happened? Explain:

Read: Ruth 4; Joshua 2; Hebrews 11:31

 

Discuss:

1. What part of Ruth left you with more questions than answers? What were the sections that moved you the most?

2. What did Rahab know and believe about the God of Israel? How does Rahab actions compare to our own actions regarding salvation?

3. Describe the importance of the genealogy of Boaz: What do you consider significant about his mother being Rahab the harlot?

4. How do you think Boaz’s mother’s story affected his decisions? What specifics do you see in the Ruth story?

 

Pray:

Pray that the story of your life would continually balance your obedience with God’s providence

 

Memorize/ Meditate:

“…for the Lord your God, He is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath.”                                    Joshua 2:11



Ruth: Christmas Redemption

 

Deeper Faith Study

Ruth Part Four: Christmas Redemption

 

 

Topic: Christmas Redemption

 



Open: Describe a time that you bought a gift and it ended up being a bad deal:

Read: Ruth 4; Matthew 1-2

Discuss:

1. What is interesting about Boaz’s salutation (“friend” vs. 1) to the other potential kinsman redeemer?

2. Explain the focus of this passage on the word “name:”

3. Why doesn’t the potential kinsman redeemer take the land? Why? How does following Christ affect our inheritance?

4. Describe the statement in verse 14 as it relates to redemption: How does the baby bring about redemption

5. How would you connect the story of Ruth with the Christmas story?

Pray: Pray that you would grasp the depth of your redemption in Christ

Memorize/Meditate:

“Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without a redeemer, and may His name be renowned in Israel!”                Ruth 4:14

Christmas Prayer in the Wake of Tragedy by Max Lucado

Max Lucado, best-selling author and Minister of Preaching at Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, offered a Christmas prayer in the aftermath of the deadliest school shooting in U.S. history.

Dear Jesus,

It’s a good thing you were born at night. This world sure seems dark. I have a good eye for silver linings. But they seem dimmer lately.

These killings, Lord. These children, Lord. Innocence violated. Raw evil demonstrated.
The whole world seems on edge. Trigger-happy. Ticked off. We hear threats of chemical weapons and nuclear bombs. Are we one button-push away from annihilation?

Your world seems a bit darker this Christmas. But you were born in the dark, right? You came at night. The shepherds were nightshift workers. The Wise Men followed a star. Your first cries were heard in the shadows.

To see your face, Mary and Joseph needed a candle flame. It was dark. Dark with Herod’s jealousy. Dark with Roman oppression. Dark with poverty. Dark with violence. Herod went on a rampage, killing babies. Joseph took you and your mom into Egypt. You were an immigrant before you were a Nazarene.

Oh, Lord Jesus, you entered the dark world of your day. Won’t you enter ours? We are weary of bloodshed. We, like the wise men, are looking for a star. We, like the shepherds, are kneeling at a manger.

This Christmas, we ask you, heal us, help us, be born anew in us.

Hopefully,
Your Children

Ruth: Part Two Deeper Faith Study

Ruth: Part Two

Under the Wings of Everyday Living

Deeper Faith Study

 

Open:
 

Describe a time when you didn’t realize God’s presence and work but as you look back it becomes certain that He at work:

Read:

Ruth 2; Deuteronomy 24:19-22


Discuss:

1. What do you learn in this chapter about Ruth’s character? As you answer, be sure to explain what she says or does which reveals these qualities?

2. Identify the “God-moments” (moments where God was at work behind the scenes) of Ruth 2:

3. How does Boaz’s relationship with God reflect on his protection of Ruth?

4. How prone are you to recognize God’s provision and protection in your life?

Pray:

Pray that you would see God’s work and plan in your everyday life

Memorize/Meditate:

“The Lord repay you for what you have done, and a full reward be given you by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge!”                                                                   Ruth 2:12

Ruth Part One: Deeper Faith Study

 

Ruth Part One: The Hard Road to Hope

Deeper Faith Study

 

Open:

Desribe a time when you made a decision that you knew would end wrongly...but you made it anyway:

Read:

Judges 21:25; Ruth 1

Discuss:

1. Describe the cycle of the Judges:

2. Why did Elimelech and his family leave Bethlehem for Moab? What mistakes were made along the way? What conflicts arise in your mind? How are you prone to rationalize these decisions?

3. Why does Naomi discourage them from returning with her? Consider how it affects her emotionally.

4. Have you ever given up comfort for a chance to know God deeper and hope in Him more? What hinders you from clinging to Christ?


Pray:

Pray that you would cling in satisfaction to Christ the Bread of Life!

Memorize/Meditate:

"Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried." Ruth 1:16-17